Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Shintaro Nakao is a pioneering figure at the intersection of ophthalmology and surgical robotics, whose work is redefining the precision of vitreoretinal surgery. His primary research focuses on developing robotic systems to enhance dexterity and safety in delicate eye procedures. Nakao’s major contribution is the creation of "Eye Explorer," a robotic endoscope holder that frees the surgeon’s hands, and the subsequent development of OQrimo, the world’s first intraocular endoscope-holding robot approved as a medical device in Japan. His groundbreaking 2020 paper on Eye Explorer (8 citations) laid the foundation for this technology, while his 2025 studies on OQrimo’s initial clinical use (3 citations) and trocar insertion techniques (3 citations) demonstrate real-world translation. Nakao also advanced intraoperative visualization with real-time fundus reconstruction and intraocular mapping (2023, 5 citations), and explored novel frontiers like enzyme-powered soft robots (2024, 6 citations). With a cumulative impact of over 28 citations across his most-cited works, Nakao is not only a surgeon but an innovator, bringing robotic assistance from concept to clinical reality. His achievements mark a transformative step toward safer, more effective vitreoretinal surgery, positioning him as a leader in medical robotics.